About this episode
We are lucky to have Fantastic Cat’ s Mike Montali on Episode Seven of “Load-In Through the Back”– not because he’s one of the outrageously charismatic and talented members of the folk-rock supergroup that Rolling Stone Magazine calls “equal parts Dylan and Springsteen,” but because Fantastic Cat almost died… Well, at least according to their website bio… Which also alludes to rehab stints, mega ego, and an encounter with Godzilla which culminated with the ruination of the mastertapes for their live EP “Live at the Bowery.” I’m not making any of this up… but they are. The jovial nature of their brand and onstage persona’s in contrast with sentimental songwriting and unparalleled versatility in musicianship, has made Fantastic Cat a must-see act in every town across America! Spoiler alert: this Cat is a dog person. We know because this conversation features a very special appearance from Mike’s dog Otis. During this interview, Mike touches on the recording of Fantastic Cat’ s latest record “Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat,” their rigorous touring schedule, becoming a “real band” AFTER recording their first record, and *admittedly* Troy’s favorite subject– Adam Duritz of Counting Crows . Catch Fantastic Cat on tour through the remainder of 2024 and well into 2025. More info is available at FantasticCatBand.com and across the internet @FantasticCatBand. Make sure to stay connected with “Load-In Through the Back”— We are on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) and Threads– @LoadInPodcast.